Active knee bolster with adaptive force response system and method

Abstract

A system for reducing the forward motion of a vehicle occupant is provided. The system includes a contact surface, a fixed energy absorption device, a deployable energy device, and an energy absorption modifier. The contact surface interacts with a vehicle occupant. The fixed energy absorption device is attached to a structural member of the vehicle. The deployable energy device is in contact with the contact surface and the fixed energy absorption device. The energy absorption modifier is in communication with the fixed energy absorption device for varying the energy absorption characteristics of the fixed energy absorption device.

1. A system for contacting a vehicle occupant during sudden deceleration of the vehicle, the system comprising:
 a contact surface for interacting with the vehicle occupant; 
 a fixed energy absorption device attached to a structural member of the vehicle; 
 a deployable energy absorption device in contact with the contact surface and the fixed energy absorption device; and 
 an energy absorption modifier in communication with the fixed energy absorption device for varying the energy absorption characteristics of the fixed energy absorption device, the energy absorption modifier being a pyrotechnic bolt that disconnects the fixed energy absorption device from the structural member of the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1  wherein the contact surface includes a deformable foam layer. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1  wherein the fixed energy absorption device is a deformable metal bracket. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 3  wherein the deformable metal bracket is a U-shaped bracket. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1  wherein the deployable energy absorption device is an inflatable airbag. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1  wherein the energy absorption modifier is a pyrotechnic device. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1  further comprising a frangible structural member connected at a first end to the contact surface and at a second end to the structural member of the vehicle. 
     
     
       8. A system for contacting a vehicle occupant during sudden deceleration of the vehicle, the system comprising:
 a contact surface for interacting with a vehicle occupant; 
 a fixed energy absorption device attached to a structural member of the vehicle; 
 a frangible structural member connected at a first end to the contact surface and at a second end to the structural member of the vehicle; 
 a deployable energy absorption device in contact with the contact surface and the fixed energy absorption device; and 
 an energy absorption modifier in communication with the frangible structural member for varying the energy absorption characteristics of the frangible structural member, the energy absorption modifier being a pyrotechnic bolt that disconnects the fixed energy absorption device from the structural member of the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 8  wherein contact surface includes a deformable foam layer. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 8  wherein the fixed energy absorption device is a deformable metal bracket. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 10  wherein the deformable metal bracket is a U-shaped bracket. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 8  wherein the deployable energy absorption device is an inflatable airbag. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 8  wherein the energy absorption modifier is a pyrotechnic device.